Playing favorites: Which child is your favorite?

My son is my favorite child. He is also my only child, so I have no problems writing that sentence. But parents of multiple children may experience guilt when identifying one of their children as their "favorite."

This is a tough subject, but let's be honest here and think back to your own childhood: If you have siblings, you could tell me in an instant which of you was your mother's favorite and who was your father's favorite. It may have changed as you moved from adolescence to adulthood, and your parents may have never said it aloud, but you always knew. The favoritism may have caused tension in your sibling relationships, but hopefully you found relief in the fact you were loved and were able to let it go.

As a parent now, maybe you make a conscientious effort to treat your children fairly and ensure they never discover which of them you prefer. And that is a smart move for now, but it may affect your health later on in life.

Recent research suggests that having the non-favorite child act as caregiver to an ailing mother often leads to depression. That's right: If you are an elderly mother in need of a caregiver and your non-favorite child steps in to help you, it could lead to depression.

(I'll just let that sink in for a moment.)

Is there a way to become the favored child in adulthood? Aligning your outlook on life to match your mother's is one way. Another way is to overcome any deviant behavior. But whether you are the favored child or not, the bottom line is to accept yourself for the wonderful person you have become.

When you were growing up who was the favorite child in your family? Are you willing to admit in the comments which of your children is your favorite now?